The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Veterans feted at elementary school
AMBLER » Fifty veterans of the U.S. armed services filed into the Lower Gwynedd Elementary School’s large group room through a flag-waving path of students Nov. 9, to be honored for their service to the country.
The brainchild of fourth-grade teacher Tishara O’Brien, the event marked a fifth year of inviting veterans to the school to share sto-
ries of their service and be on the receiving end of a hearty thanks by students and staff.
“We’re so appreciative,” said O’Brien, who has relatives in the military. “It’s like an extension of our family. A lot chose to protect our country.
“I love to see their faces,” she said. “They thank me, but I tell them ‘thank you.’”
The ceremony was preceded by a meet and greet, after which the veterans went into the classrooms for about a half-hour to mingle with the students, one on one, and answer questions, O’Brien said.
“It means a lot,” said U.S. Navy veteran George Alden, who was attending the event for a fourth year. “The kids don’t know enough about the veterans.”
U.S. Navy veteran Allen Dowdy, whose two grandsons attend the school, was at the event for a third year at their request, he said. A member of a VFW post in Delran, N.J., Dowdy, clad in a uniform, said he participates in honor guard and other military events to honor vets.
Army veteran Gary Weller noted his daughter, who attends the school, is “very proud of my time in the service.”
Attending for a third year, he said, “I like seeing how the school teaches kids respect for what these men have done.”
“We have much to celebrate,” Lower Gwynedd Elementary Principal Nikki West said, kicking of the ceremony. “It’s an honor for all of us to have the vets with us today. We offer our sincere appreciation and thanks for what you have done and continue to do for our community.
“We’re so grateful you were willing to join us today to tell stories of your service,” she said.
“Here’s what matters to us – serving other people, being nice to other people, honoring our guests who chose to serve our county,”” said Superintendent James Crisfield, an Air Force vet. “It required a lot of bravery and courage.
“There are lots of ways you can help others,” Crisfield told the students, and asked them to close their eyes, think of something they have done “to help somebody,” and “when you get older, what you might like to do then.
“Think of ways you can help and serve.”
Music teacher Erica Guillama led the students in serenading the vets starting with “The Star Spangled Banner” and ending with “God Bless America” to end the program.
Other Veterans Day activities were scheduled for Nov. 10 at Wissahickon Middle School and Shady Grove Elementary. Magisterial District Judge Harry J. Nesbitt III, who set bail at $100,000 cash. The defendant failed to make bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m., Nov. 24, 2017, in front of Magisterial District Judge John D. Kessler.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Benjamin D. McKenna.